I'm deploying and I'm debating on what to do with the car while i'm gone.

here's the assumption:
It will sit, unmolested, for the entire 15-18 month period.

what are your recommendations to avoid mechanical fuck-ups?

3/21/2008 1:57:08 AM

sell it and invest the money. use it to buy another car when you get back.

3/21/2008 2:37:33 AM

unless you're attached to the car... i'd consider the duke's suggestion

3/21/2008 3:03:31 AM

are you sure about the 15-18 months? Maybe you should plan for more long term then that.


and ^^

[Edited on March 21, 2008 at 8:05 AM. Reason : asdf]

3/21/2008 8:04:50 AM

^ or not

3/21/2008 8:27:36 AM

since when do soldiers get deployed and actually stay for their 'estimated' duration?

3/21/2008 8:34:13 AM

I'd sell it unless it is a classic or custom that can't easily be replaced. If you do hang onto it you'd definitely want to put in fresh oil/fluids because oil becomes acidic as it breaks down which will wear on the seals while it sits. It would be good if someone could crank it and maybe even run it around the block once a month or so.

3/21/2008 8:56:56 AM

also your tires will probably flat spot

3/21/2008 12:16:13 PM

Is this going to be in a garage? drain the fluids, put it on stands, cover it, use fuel stabilizer or siphon the tank. probably should get the fuel out of the lines too... maybe start the car and disconnect the fuel pump so it stalls and clears all the fuel?

if it's outside somewhere it's going to do a lot worse. possible animal nests or something depending where you put it. you should've seen zxappeal's Z when we pulled out of his parent's driveway

[Edited on March 21, 2008 at 12:23 PM. Reason : .]

3/21/2008 12:21:04 PM

horrible idea

cars should not sit and houses should not be unoccupied

3/21/2008 12:45:13 PM

its basically bad for all your seals

3/21/2008 12:46:41 PM

Quote :

"sell it and invest the money. use it to buy another car when you get back. "

3/21/2008 12:48:23 PM

remove fuel
grease seals/weatherstripping
run dehumidifier
leave NEW oil and fluids in car (have everything flushed)
use a pan/block heater to ward off internal moisture
(there are electric oil/coolant pumps that will circulate oil/coolant 24/7)
remove wheels/tires, coat with protectant
clean interior and coat with protectant
remove wiper blades or just tilt them up off the glass
wash/wax car making sure to focus on the underbody

3/21/2008 8:56:52 PM

i had a honda sit for 10 months while i was in europe. when i got back, i changed the battery, added more fresh gas, and it cranked right up - ran great for another 30k miles until i sold it

3/21/2008 9:15:17 PM

my transmission went to shit sitting still..

actually all my seals dry rotted and it pissed my fresh tranny lube onto the ground and fried my tranny @ mile maker 142 on 85

3/21/2008 9:28:21 PM

if it were my car I'd sell it or give the keys to someone who can drive it once a week.

3/21/2008 10:21:27 PM